Her
separate property is liable for her debts but not for those of her
husband.

Since 1895 a married woman may contract as if unmarried, and sue and
be sued in her own name as to property, but for personal injuries the
husband must join. She can not become surety.

Since 1896 she may carry on business in her own name, her earnings and
wages are her separate property, and her deposits in savings banks are
free from the control of her husband.

The father is the legal guardian of the persons and estates of minor
children. At his death the mother becomes guardian. In case of
separation with no misconduct on the part of either, the mother has
the preference until the child is seven years old, after which the
rights are equal. Provision is made for the access of the mother to
infant children. On the death of the one to whom the child is assigned
it is subject to the order of the court.

The husband must furnish such support as will maintain the wife in the
position in which he has placed her by marriage. If he refuse he must
give bonds or go to jail. The wife must contribute to the support of
the family if the husband is unable.

The "age of protection" for girls was raised from 10 to 16 years in
1887. The penalty is a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment at
hard labor not exceeding fifteen years, or both. No minimum penalty is
named.

No girl under fourteen shall be employed in a factory, and no children
under fourteen shall be employed in any workshop or factory over ten
hours a day or sixty hours a week. The failure of employers to
provide seats for female employes beside a work bench or counter shall
be punished as a misdemeanor.

SUFFRAGE: New Jersey is the first State in which a woman ever cast a
ballot. The constitution adopted July 2, 1776, conferred the franchise
on "all inhabitants worth $250, etc." In 1790 a revision of the
election law used the words "he or she," thus giving legislative
sanction to a construction of the constitution which placed women in
the electorate. While the records show that women did vote for various
officers, including President of the United States and members of the
Legislature, yet in those days of almost absolute male supremacy, when
it was not customary for women to own even $250 worth of property and
all they possessed became the husband's at marriage, it is not to be
supposed that very many could avail themselves of the privilege.
Enough did so, however, to make the